Democracy and science share a common core: a commitment to freedom, equality, and a culture of open questioning. Whenever these principles come under pressure, both suffer. History shows how fragile democratic achievements are – and how much research progress depends on women’s equal participation. Democracy needs women in academia!
Pioneers and Principles
The ideals of the French Revolution – liberté, égalité, fraternité – are more than political slogans; they are the working foundations of modern societies. They are the prerequisite for talent to thrive regardless of origin or gender. The life of Marie Curie makes this tangible: despite massive obstacles, she fought for education, shaped an entirely new field of research, received two Nobel Prizes, and saved lives with mobile X-ray units during World War I.
Curie’s path shows what equality means in practice: it is not a “concession” but a driver of innovation. When women learn, research, make decisions, and lead, research gains in quality – and society in resilience.
Democratic Backsliding and Attacks on Gender Equality
Democratic backsliding rarely begins with an open assault. It often creeps in through the back door: by weakening civil liberties, delegitimizing elections – and also by mobilizing against gender equality. Anti-gender narratives question women’s and LGBTQIA+ rights, discredit equality programs, and undermine academic freedom under the guise of protecting “neutral” curricula.
This dynamic is not a side issue. Restricting the rights of at least half the population undermines democracy as a whole. Where universities are curtailed in their freedom to research and teach, the space for knowledge itself narrows – along with the prospects for scientific and societal progress.
Why the Two Belong Together
Democracy thrives on the diversity of voices; science thrives on the diversity of questions. Both require:
- Open institutions that can withstand and protect dissent.
- Equal access, so that talent – not gender, origin, or wealth – determines educational and career paths.
- Reliable rights and freedoms, especially freedom of expression, association, and academic inquiry.
When these conditions erode, women are often hit first: for example, through cuts to equality and childcare programs or through politicized attacks on research areas ranging from gender studies to public health (just one aspect among many: the gender health gap). This is not only unjust – it is irrational. Societies that neglect their talent reserves weaken themselves.
What Matters Now: A Practical Agenda
For Verlag Barbara Budrich, as a scholarly publisher in the social sciences that supports democratic values and equality, this translates into a clear framework for action:
- Defend academic freedom: Safeguard editorial independence, open spaces for debate, and make controversial evidence visible – without alarmism, but with standards of quality.
- Make knowledge accessible: Publish research on women and democracy prominently, expand access to knowledge (for example, through open access publications), and provide teaching materials that enable nuanced discussions.
- Anchor diversity as a quality criterion: Ensure diversity in the academic advisory board, peer reviewers, and authorship.
- Strengthen cooperation: Collaborate with universities, foundations, and scholarly societies to foster a fact-based public sphere.
Democracy Needs Women in Science: A Conclusion
Democratic values and women’s contributions to research are precious – and they must be protected. Not as cultural ornaments, but as prerequisites for knowledge, innovation, and a free society.
Marie Curie represents the potential that emerges when doors are opened. And much is at stake if those doors are closed again. Let us keep them open!
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This article is based on “Blazing the Trail for Women in Science” by Ursula van Beek and “Democracy’s Decline is Not Gender-Neutral” by Amanda Gouws, both published in the Democracy Delivered newsletter, Issue 30. The newsletter is published by the Centre for Research on Democracy (CREDO) at Stellenbosch University, South Africa, and can be downloaded free of charge as a PDF from the CREDO website.
Editorial note: The AI ChatGPT supported the writing of this article.
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